Minami-Horo Town in Hokkaido is a region that retains strong remnants of the pioneer era. Following in the footsteps of the former pioneers leads to the opening of Minami-Horo Station and the early formation of the town. Primarily known for its agriculture, large commercial facilities are also scattered throughout, supporting the town’s economy. The townspeople enjoy a life surrounded by rich nature, utilizing fresh agricultural products. Additionally, the local culture is alive with the incorporation of the Hokkaido dialect into everyday conversations. Seasonal customs and festivals such as the Minami-Horo Summer Festival and Winter Festival are held grandly, providing opportunities for the entire town to come together. Minami-Horo Town is a charming area where rich nature, comfortable living, and local culture harmonize. Furthermore, heritage sites and historical landmarks that evoke the town’s history are scattered throughout, conveying the spirit of the pioneer era to visitors. There are many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced fresh agricultural products, loved by both tourists and locals. Various events and festivals that color the lives of local residents are also held, conveying the region’s charm to visitors while deepening community bonds.
Culture and Customs
Minami-Horo Town in Hokkaido is a region that retains strong remnants of the pioneer era and has been watching over the town’s development since the opening of Minami-Horo Station. Known primarily as an agriculture-centered town, large commercial facilities have also been constructed, contributing to the revitalization of the area. In terms of lifestyle, residents can enjoy living in an environment surrounded by nature. Dishes made with fresh agricultural products that color the town are not only suited to the local residents’ tastes but are also very popular among visiting tourists. Regarding language, the unique Hokkaido dialect is integrated into daily life. Additionally, there are seasonal customs that allow residents to enjoy the feeling of each season. When it comes to festivals, the Minami-Horo Summer Festival and Minami-Horo Winter Festival are very lively, attracting many people from afar as well as locals. The ability to experience the town’s charm through all five senses is a characteristic of Minami-Horo Town. There are also pioneer museums that evoke the town’s history and direct sales outlets that offer a rich variety of local agricultural products, enhancing the town’s appeal. Parks where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes are also scattered throughout, reflecting the townspeople’s value of interaction with nature.
Local Specialties
- Minami-Horo Town Potatoes: The warm climate and rich soil enhance the quality of the potatoes, making them particularly suitable for baked potatoes and potato chips.
- Minami-Horo Wine: This wine, made from Hokkaido-grown grapes, is characterized by its fruity and vibrant flavor.
- Minami-Horo Hams: Local ham made from fresh, high-quality pork using a unique smoking method, known for its exquisite flavor.
- Minami-Horo Haskap: A berry characterized by its sweet and sour taste and richness, produced in Hokkaido’s cold climate, used in jams and sauces.
- Minami-Horo Dairy Products: Butter and cheese made from fresh milk are popular for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Annual Events
- “Ninguru Terrace Minami-Horo Illumination”: A grand illumination event held every year from December to February. Beautiful light decorations that color Minami-Horo’s nature captivate visitors.
- “Minami-Horo Fireworks Festival”: A fireworks festival held as part of the summer festival in August. Colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky invite the audience into a dreamlike world.
- “Minami-Horo Onsen Interaction Festival”: Held in June, this event allows visitors to rediscover the charm of the local hot spring area. It features games, live performances, and free distribution of onsen-boiled eggs.
- “Minami-Horo Town Festival”: The largest festival in Minami-Horo Town, held in July. A parade, bon odori dance, and food stalls featuring local gourmet offerings create an enjoyable atmosphere for both locals and tourists.
- “Minami-Horo Autumn Festival”: An autumn harvest festival held in September. It features the sale of fresh agricultural products and tasting events for dishes made with local ingredients, allowing visitors to experience the local food culture.
Access Methods
- By Air: Travel to Minami-Horo Town using a taxi or bus from New Chitose Airport, which is about a 50-minute drive away.
- By Train: Take the JR Chitose Line to Minami-Chitose Station, then take a bus to Minami-Horo Town. Buses run approximately once an hour.
- By Car: Convenient access, taking about 30 minutes from Sapporo City and about 50 minutes from New Chitose Airport.
- By Bus: Take the Dohoku Bus from Sapporo to Minami-Horo Town. There are many buses, running every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day.
- By Bicycle: It is also possible to access by bicycle from Sapporo City, taking about 3 hours of cycling to arrive.
Tourist Attractions
- Minami-Horo Venus Line – A scenic drive course with beautiful landscapes.
- Minami-Horo Falls – A waterfall with a drop of about 7 meters, offering seasonal views.
- Minami-Horo Park – A vast area with various playground equipment and flower beds.
- Minami-Horo Onsen – A facility where you can enjoy natural hot springs, with ample relaxation options.
- Minami-Horo Forest Park – A nature-rich park, perfect for walking and picnicking.
